Table extension for agricultural bagging machine

ABSTRACT

A table extension is provide and is adapted for movement between a bagging position and a transport position for use with an agricultural bagging machine. The table extension comprises a table for conveying material to be bagged to the agricultural bagging machine, a frame for supporting the table, and a lift mechanism adapted for moving the table between the bagging position and the transport position with the lift mechanism in operable communication with said frame. The table extension is hydraulically powered and utilizes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and mechanism assembly to accomplish movement between the bagging and the transport position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a table extension for an agriculturalbagging machine, and in particular to a table extension that movesbetween a bagging position and a transport position preferably underhydraulic power.

Agricultural bagging machines are well known in the art, and are used tobag all types of agricultural materials into very long plastic bags. Thebags are essentially horizontal silos that lie on the ground. Thebagging machines consist of some type of a loading device like aconveyer or hopper, which feeds the material to an auger or rotor thatforces the material into the bags. Often the machines include some meansto control the density or compaction of the material in the bag. As thebags fill, the agricultural bagging machine moves forward in acontrolled manner and deploys the bag horizontally along the ground.

During operation, trucks unload the material to be bagged into theloader of the agricultural bagging machine at a rate controlled by thethroughput of the bagging machine. In most situations the trucks canunload faster than the agricultural bagging machine can process thematerial, as such the trucks tend to back up and wait to unload thematerial.

Additionally, the agricultural bagging machines can be quite large. Thebags alone can reach 12 to 14 feet in diameter, with the machine atleast this wide. Obviously, the machines are of such a size thattransportation of the machines can be difficult. Agricultural baggingmachines are often too wide to transport safely, or legally, within asingle lane of traffic.

Thus, a need exists for a device that can increase the capacity ofagricultural bagging machines and that can be safely transported onconventional roadways.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a table extension foran agricultural bagging machine that moves between a bagging positionand a transport position.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification,drawings, and claims.

The present invention intends to overcome the difficulties encounteredheretofore. To that end, a table extension is provided and is adaptedfor movement between a bagging position and a transport position for usewith an agricultural bagging machine. The table extension comprises atable for conveying material to be bagged to the agricultural baggingmachine, a frame for supporting the table, and a lift mechanism adaptedfor moving the table between the bagging position and the transportposition with the lift mechanism in operable communication with saidframe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table extension of the presentinvention in a transport position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the table extension in a baggingposition.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the table extension attached to anagricultural bagging machine.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the table extension attached to theagricultural bagging machine and receiving material to be bagged from atruck.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the table extension with the tableremoved.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a frame, and axleassembly of the table extension.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the axle assembly ofthe table extension.

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of a linkage assemblyand axle assembly of the table extension.

FIG. 9 is a detail view of the circled portion shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the table extensionand in particular of a hitch assembly thereof.

FIG. 11 is a partially explode perspective view of the circled portionshown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of a table of the tableextension, and in particular of a motor for powering the table.

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of the circled portionshown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded perspective view of a table of the tableextension, and in particular of a hook thereof.

FIG. 15 is a partially exploded perspective view of the circled portionshown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the table extension in the baggingposition and attached to an intake end of the agricultural baggingmachine.

FIG. 17 is a first side view of the table extension in the baggingposition and attached to the intake end of the agricultural baggingmachine.

FIG. 18 is a second side view, opposite to the first side view shown inFIG. 17, of the table extension in the bagging position and attached tothe intake end of the agricultural bagging machine.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the table extension in the transportposition.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the table extension shownin FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the Figures, FIG. 1 shows a table extension 10 of a type thatincludes a conveyor 11 for conveying material to be bagged to anagricultural bagging machine 12 (see FIGS. 2-3). In the preferredembodiment of the invention, the agricultural bagging machine 12 is aRoto-Pac bagging machine provided by Sioux Automation Center of SiouxCenter, Iowa. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thatthe present invention is not necessarily so limited.

The table extension 10 is preferably designed for use as a secondary oradditional means of conveying material to be bagged, in that it attachesto a conveyor that is permanently attached at an intake end of theagricultural bagging machine 12. Again, the invention, however, is notnecessarily limited thereby. The use of the table extension 10 addscapacity to the agricultural bagging machine 12, helps to level out thematerial to be bagged across the width of the conveyor 11 so as toincrease the throughput of the agricultural bagging machine 12, and dueto the unique design of a lift mechanism 14 of the table extension 10,allows the table extension 10 to easily move between a bagging positionand a transport position (see FIGS. 1, 2). Furthermore, the uniquedesign of the table extension 10 is of a width that allows it to betransported on conventional roadways while in the transport position.

For ease of reference, the table extension 10 is given two distinctframes of reference depending on whether the table extension 10 is inthe transport or bagging positions. In particular, in the transportposition the table extension 10 is capable of being towed by a vehicle(not shown). Accordingly, in this position the table extension 10 has aforward end 20 located at the end closest to a trailer hitch 18 and arearward end 22 opposite thereto (see FIG. 1). In the bagging position,the table extension is attached to the conveyer of the agriculturalbagging machine 12. As mentioned, the table extension 10 transports thematerial to be bagged to the machine 12. Thus, in this position theconveyor has a forward end 24 were the material to be bagged is loadedfrom a truck 16, and a rearward 26 opposite thereto were the material tobe bagged exits the table extension 10 and enters the conveyor of theagricultural bagging machine 12 (See FIG. 2).

It should be noted that the direction of movement of the table extension10 when in the transport position is perpendicular to the direction ofmovement is different of the table extension 10 when in the baggingposition. The relative directions of movement correspond to theorientation of the forward and rearward ends in the two positions. Thatis, in the bagging position the agricultural bagging machine 12 moves ina direction that moves the forward end 24 of the table extension 10ahead of the rearward end 26. Likewise, in the transport position thetable extension 10 is moved under the power of a towing vehicle thatmoves the forward end 20 of the table extension 10 ahead of the rearwardend 22.

In operation, the table extension 10 includes a table 30 that utilizesconventional chain and slat means to convey the material from theforward end 24 to the rearward end 26 during bagging operation. Thetable extension 10 includes a conventional hydraulic table motor 28mounted to the table 30 for this purpose (the motor 28 is shown indetail but not described as it is of a conventional design and notconsidered an essential component of the present invention). The table30 further includes hook plates 33 (see FIGS. 13, 15) that fit over anose tube 27 (see FIG. 17) of the load table of the agricultural baggingmachine 12 in the bagging position. In particular, FIG. 13 shows thehook 33 portion of the table 30 located on the forward end 20 of thetable extension 10, while FIG. 15 shows the hook 33 portion of the table30 located on the rearward end 22 of the table extension 10. The hooks33 mount to plates 25 attached to the side of the table 30. The hooks 33are shaped to fit over an end of a conveyor axle 124, which is driven bythe motor 28 used to drive the conveyor 11. The hooks 33 also contain aslot 126 shaped to fit over table brackets 31. Conventional nut and boltfasteners 39 secure the hooks 33 to the table 30. In particular, arectangular bracket 35 secures to the table bracket 31 on one end of thehooks 33. On the rearward end 22 (FIG. 15), the hook 33 also includes anangle bracket 37 pivotally attached to an ear 128 on the upper edge ofthe table 30, and then the fasteners 39 secure the hook 33 to thebracket 37. On the forward end 20 (FIG. 13), the hook 33 attachesdirectly to the ear 128 and uses a rectangular bracket 35. Finally, aring 34 is provided to fit around the end of the nose tube 27. Afastener 29 is then attached to a pin 43 located on the hook 33 to holdthe ring 34 in place.

The table extension 10 includes a lift mechanism 14 that underlies andsupports the table 30. The table extension 10 also includes moveableside panels 23 that move into an upright horizontal position when thetable extension 10 is in the bagging position, and lie flat on top ofthe table 30 when table extension 10 is in the transport position (seeFIGS. 1-2).

The lift mechanism 14 moves the table extension 10 between the baggingand transport position, as well as providing support for the table 30.The lift mechanism 14 utilizes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders tooperate a modified 4-bar linkage 34 to accomplish the movement. Inparticular, an axle lift cylinder 36 and a main folding cylinder 38 arethe primary cylinders for moving the lift mechanism 14 between thebagging position and the transport position. The lift mechanism 14 alsoutilizes a table angle cylinder 40 and a hitch height cylinder 42 in theprocess. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention thelift mechanism 14 is hydraulically driven and includes a power 4-bankhydraulic valve and manifold 44 (see FIG. 18) for control and supply ofhydraulic power to the cylinders 36, 38,40, 42.

The structural components of the lift mechanism 14 will now be describedin order better understand the movement of the lift mechanism 14 betweenthe bagging and transport positions. These components comprise generallyan axle assembly 46, a linkage assembly 56, and a hitch assembly 64, andwill be described initially while in, and in reference to, the transportposition. The axle assembly 46, best shown in FIGS. 6, 7, of the liftmechanism 14 includes and axle 48 that connects to two wheels 50 usedfor transportation of the table extension 10. An axle frame 52 isconnected to the ends of the axle 48 with conventional nut and boltfasteners 49, and is generally located above and forward of the axle 48.The axle frame 52 includes two side beams 54 connected perpendicularlyto an axle cover 51 of the axle frame member 52. The axle cover 51secures directly over the axle 48, with the side beams 54 extendingforward therefrom. The axle frame 52 also includes struts 58 secured tothe side beams 54 and the axle cover 51 for additional support. Also,the axle frame 52 includes a cylindrical pivot bar 53 that secures tocollars 63 on the forward end of either side beam 54. A linkage saddle55 attaches to the center of the axle cover 51. A pivot lever 66 securesto the pivot bar 53 by attaching a nut and bolt fasteners 47 through apivot lever bracket 65 that surrounds a portion of the pivot bar 53 andattaches to a rounded bracket end 17 of the pivot lever 66. The axlelift cylinder 36 secures on one end to a lower ear 67 on the pivot lever66, and the other end secures at the junction of the side beam 54 andthe axle 48. The pivot lever 66 also includes an upper ear 69.

Turning now to the linkage assembly 56, shown best in FIGS. 6, 9, and 8,the linkage assembly 56 is comprised of two longitudinally orientatedframe members 62. A plurality of reinforcing blocking members 68 secureand support the frame members 62 along the length thereof. Furthersupport is provided by gussets 70 attached to either side of at leastthe centermost blocking members 68 closest to the main folding cylinder38. Two upright triangularly shaped beams 72 pivotably attach to theinside of the two frame members 62 and extend upward therefrom. Theupright beams 72 are secured to the inside of the frame members 62 withelongated bolt and nut fasteners 71 that pass through the frame members62 as well as the bottom of the upright beams 72. The connection allowsthe upright beams 72 to pivot at the juncture with the frame members 62.

A support beam 74 pivotably attaches to the top of the two triangularupright beams 72 with elongated bolt and nut fasteners 19, which passthrough the upper ends of the triangular beams 72 and through collartubes 73 on the end of the support beams 74. A cotter pin 15 furthersecures the elongated bolt and nut fasteners 19. The support beam 74 isthe point of connection between the linkage assembly 56 and the table30. Collar brackets 76 pivotably attach with conventional nut and boltfasteners through bracket holes 13 in the ends of the support beam 74and then latch to the underside of the table 30 for this purpose. Thecollar brackets 76 detach and then are inserted through holes in collars95 located on either side of the under side of the table 30, therebylocking the table to the support beam 74 (see FIGS. 19, 20). Togetherthe support beam 74, triangular beams 72, and frame members 62 form themodified 4-bar linkage 34.

Additionally, an upright bar 60 pivotably mounts to one of the uprightbeams 72, through the side of one of the beam members 62. The elongatedbolt and nut fasteners 71 pass through the upright bar 60, a collar 45,the beam member 62, and the bottom of the upright beam 72 to form thepivoting connection (see FIG. 6). The opposite end of the upright bar 60pivotably connects to a linkage arm 61 with bolt and nut fasteners 57.The upright bar 60 and linkage arm 61 also attach to a bracket plate 78secured to the support beam 74. The opposite end of the linkage arm 61secures to the upper ear 69 of the pivot lever 66 with fastener 130.

The main folding cylinder 38 attaches to the end of the bracket plate 78extending laterally outward from the support beam 74 with conventionalnut and bolt fastener. The opposite end of the main folding cylinder 38connects to the bracket plate 75 secured to a support plate 9 extendingfrom the side of the support beam 74.

The table angle cylinder 40 secures to a bracket plate 77 secured to oneof the frame members 62, and then extends upward to connect to theunderside of the table 30 by attaching at to the back side of hook plate33 (see FIGS. 13, 20). In particular, spacers 79 insert between theinside prongs of the bracket 77 and the outside of the connector on thebottom of the table angle cylinder 40. A pin 81 inserts through thebottom of the table angle cylinder 40, the spacers 79, and the bracket77 to secure the cylinder 40. A cotter pin 83 then secures the pin 81.The upper end of the table angle cylinder 40 secures in a similar mannerby utilizing a bracket 85 and pin 87 that pass through an opening 89 inthe top of the table angle cylinder 40, and through holes in the sidesof the bracket 85. The bracket 85 secures to the table 30 by attachmentto the back side of the hook plate 33 with nut and bolt fastener 91. Thetable angle cylinder 40 also includes a cylinder lock 98 for use inpreventing movement and damage to the cylinder 40 during transportationof the lift mechanism 10. The cylinder lock 98 secures to the tableangle cylinder 40 with fastener 132. The fastener 132 passes throughholes in the sides of the cylinder lock 98, and through a hole in thecenter of the table angle cylinder 40.

Shown best in FIG. 11, the hitch assembly 64 will now be described. Thehitch assembly 64 includes a hitch 18 that allows for attaching thetable extension 10 to a towing vehicle. The hitch 18 includes two plates82 separated by a narrow channel therebetween. The plates 82 includeupper and lower holes 84, 86 for attachment of the structural componentsof the hitch assembly 64. In particular, the hitch assembly 64 includesa three beam triangularly shaped yoke 88 that connects the hitch 18 andthe frame members 62 of the linkage assembly 56. The yoke 88 secures tothe hitch 18 with a fastener 90. Holes 92 in the end of the yoke 88align with the lower holes 86 in the hitch 18, the fastener 90 and acotter pin 93 then secures the connection. The yoke 88 is pivotablyattached to the frame members 62 and held in place between upper andlower channel plates 94, 96 shaped to capture the cylindrical beam 89 ofthe yoke 88. The plates 94, 96 are then secured to each other withconvention nut and bolt fasteners 100. The upper plate 94 is rigidlyattached to the frame members 62 by plates 102 welded thereto. A tierod104 located above the yoke 88 secures on one end to the hitch 18, and onthe other end to a collar 106 located in the center of the upper plate94. The tierod 104 includes holes 110 on either end for attachment. Apin and connector 108 extends through one of the holes 110 in the tierod104 to secure the tierod 104 to the collar 106. A similar connector (notshown) extends through the other hole 110 in the tierod 104, and throughthe upper holes 84 in the two plates 84 of the hitch 18, wherein thetierod 104 fits in the channel located between the two plates 82. Acollar 112 is attached to the yoke 88 and includes a hole 114 to secureto a bracket 116 located on one end of the hitch height cylinder 42. Apin and connector 118 secures through the hole 114 in the collar 112 andthrough holes in the bracket 116 of the hitch height cylinder 42. Theother end of the hitch height cylinder 42 secures to a bracket 120located on one of the frame members 62 of the linkage assembly 56. Acylinder lock 122 is provided to lock the hitch height cylinder 42 inplace when the table extension 10 is in the transport position. Thehitch height assembly 64 also includes a protective bumper plate 134located on the upper channel plate 94. An upright post 135 extendsupward from one of the frame members 62 and provides support to theunderside of the table 30 when the table extension 10 is in the baggingposition.

Operation of the table extension 10 begins in the transport position.The table extension 10 should be positioned adjacent the agriculturalbagging machine 12, and remain attached to the towing vehicle. A powersource is then attached to the 4-bank hydraulic manifold 44 to provideoperational control of the various hydraulic cylinders of the tableextension 10.

Next, the table angle cylinder lock 98 and the hitch height cylinderlock 122 are removed to allow for release of the cylinders 40 and 42.The table cylinder 40 is then retracted to move the table 30 from itstransport position to a more horizontal position. The main foldingcylinder 38 is then retracted to begin movement of the linkage assembly56 and the axle assembly 46 into the bagging position. Retracting themain folding cylinder 38 moves the table 30 toward the forward end 20 ofthe table extension by pivoting the modified 4-bar linkage 34 in thatdirection. This moves the center of the weight of the table 30 off ofthe wheels 50, where it is when the table extension 10 is in the baggingposition, toward the center of the lift mechanism 14 and lowers thetable 30 as the triangular beams 72 move from a vertical position to amore diagonal position. Retraction of the main folding cylinder 38 alsobegins moving the axle assembly 46 because of the connection of theupright beam 60 and the linkage arm 61 to the bracket plate 78.Specifically, the linkage arm 61 is connected to the upper ear 69 of thelever plate 66, which as the linkage assembly 56 begins to move towardthe forward end 20 of the table extension, will begin to rotate thelever plate 66 as well as the pivot bar 53 of the axle assembly 46 whichin turn causes the movement of the axle assembly 46 out from under thetable extension 10 and toward the rearward end 26 of the table extension10.

Next, the collar brackets 76 are then inserted through the holes in thecollars located on the underside of the table, and latched to secure thetable to the support beam 74. The position of the table extension 10 canbe precisely adjusted so that the hook plates 33 are centered over thenose tube 27 of the conveyor 11 of the agricultural bagging machine 12.The table extension 12 can then be further lowered into position byretracting the axle lift cylinder 36 and the hitch height cylinder 42until the hooks 33 fully engage the nose tube 27. Retracting the axlelift cylinder 36 moves the axle assembly 46 further out from under thetable extension 10 and toward the rearward end 26 of the table extension10. This is accomplished in a manner similar to that described above inreference to retraction of the main folding cylinder 38. One end of theaxle lift cylinder 36 is attached to the lower ear 67 of the pivot lever66. After retraction of the main folding cylinder 38 the pivot lever 66will have rotated counterclockwise from the poison shown in FIG. 6, andwill be generally held in place thereby. Retraction of the axle liftcylinder 36 will cause the axle assembly 46 to rotate counter clockwiseas well, thus raising the wheels 50 off of the ground and into theposition shown in FIGS. 2, 16, and 17.

Next, the table angle cylinder 40 can be adjusted to appropriately levelthe table 30 and bring the hooks 33 into full engagement with the nosetube 27, and the lift mechanism 14 is level under the table 30. Thepower source is disconnected from 4-bank hydraulic manifold 44 andreleased from the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle is then moved awayfrom table extension 10 and agricultural bagging machine 12 bagger. Therings 41 can then be locked into place to secure the table 30 to thenose tube 27 of the agricultural bagging machine 12. The side panels 23of the table extension 10, and the side panels 23 of the agriculturalbagging 12 can be raised and locked into place. Finally, hydraulic hosescan be connected to the motor 28 to power the table 30. The system iscapable of operating the motor 28 and the motor on the conveyor of theagricultural bagging machine 12 in series from a central control panelof the agricultural bagging machine 12.

Converting from the bagging position to the transport positionessentially requires reversing the process. The hydraulic attachment tothe motor 28 is removed, and the side panels 23 of the table extension10 lowered. The table extension 10 is then unlocked from the nose tube27 of the conveyor 11 of the agricultural bagging machine 12, byremoving the rings 41. The towing vehicle can then be connected to thehitch 18 of the table extension 12, and hydraulic power connected to the4-bank valve manifold 44. The table 30 can then be raised off of thenose tube 27 of the conveyor 11 of the agricultural bagging machine 12by extending the axle lift cylinder 36 and the hitch height cylinder 42until the hooks 33 are clear of the nose tube 27 and the wheels 50 arein contact with the ground.

The table extension 10 can then be transported, however, only shortdistances. If bagging operations are to continue at the same site thetable extension 10 can be transported as needed. If the table extension10 needs to be transported any substantial distance, complete transitionto the transport position will need to be completed.

To complete transition, the table 30 should be unlocked from the liftmechanism 14 by removing the collar bracket 76. The axle lift cylinder36 and the hitch height cylinder 42 can be fully extended. The mainfolding cylinder 38 should be extended to move the axle assembly 46 andwheels 50 fully under the lift mechanism 14, and to begin raising thetable 30 off of the lift mechanism 14. Next, the table angle cylinder 40is extended to place the table 30 in the transport position (see FIG.1). The cylinder locks 98 and 122 should be engaged. Finally, thehydraulic connection can be removed from the manifold 44.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodimentsof the present inventions. The foregoing embodiments and the methodsdescribed herein may vary based on the ability, experience, andpreference of those skilled in the art. Merely listing the steps of themethod in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on theorder of the steps of the method. The foregoing description and drawingsmerely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is notlimited thereto, except insofar as the claims are so limited. Thoseskilled in the art that have the disclosure before them will be able tomake modifications and variations therein without departing from thescope of the invention.

1. A table extension adapted for movement between a bagging position and a transport position for use with an agricultural bagging machine, comprising: a table for conveying material to be bagged to the agricultural bagging machine; a frame for supporting said table; and a lift mechanism adapted for moving said table between said bagging position and said transport position, said lift mechanism in operable communication with said frame.
 2. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an axle assembly adapted for wheeled movement of said table extension when it is in said transport position.
 3. The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein said axle assembly further comprises: a) an axle; b) wheels connected to said axle and rotateable to allow for said wheeled movement of said table extension when in said transport position; c) an axle frame connected to said axle for supporting said axle assembly and for operably connecting said assembly to said lift mechanism; d) an axle lift hydraulic cylinder connected to said axle frame for moving said axle assembly between said bagging and said transport position.
 4. The invention in accordance with claim 3 wherein when said axle lift cylinder is extended said axle assembly supports said table extension for wheeled movement and when said axle lift cylinder is retracted said axle assembly is moved to a free standing position.
 5. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a linkage assembly adapted for moving said table between said bagging and transport position.
 6. The invention in accordance with claim 5, wherein the linkage assembly further comprises a four-bar linkage for accomplishing said movement.
 7. The invention in accordance with claim 6, wherein the four-bar linkage further comprises: a support beam for support of said table; two beams pivotally and substantially perpendicularly connected at or near either ends of said support beam; and at least one frame member pivotally connected to said two triangular beams at ends opposite to said ends connected to said support beam.
 8. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein said at least one frame member comprises two substantially parallel frame members.
 9. The invention in accordance with claim 6 wherein said linkage assembly is hydraulically moved by a main folding cylinder.
 10. The invention in accordance with claim 9 wherein said main folding cylinder operably moves said four-bar linkage between said bagging and transport position.
 11. The invention in accordance with claim 9 further comprising an axle assembly adapted for wheeled movement of said table extension when it is in said transport position, and said axle assembly is operably connected to said lift mechanism, and wherein said main folding cylinder also moves said axle assembly.
 12. The invention in accordance with claim 11 wherein said operable point of connection between said axle assembly and said lift mechanism is a pivot lever.
 13. The invention in accordance with claim 5 wherein said lift mechanism further comprises a table angle cylinder for moving said table between said bagging and transport position.
 14. The invention in accordance with claim 13 wherein when said table angle cylinder is extended said table is at an angle substantially transverse to the ground, and when said table angle cylinder is retracted said table is at an angle substantially parallel to the ground.
 15. The invention in accordance with claim 13 wherein the table angle cylinder includes a cylinder lock wherein said lock is engaged when said table extension is in said transport position.
 16. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a hitch assembly for providing the ability for said table to extension to be transported while in said transport position by a towing vehicle.
 17. The invention in accordance with claim 16 wherein the hitch assembly further comprises a hitch for connection to the towing vehicle; a yoke connected on one end to said hitch and connected to said frame at the an opposite end; and a hitch height cylinder connected to said yoke for moving said hitch assembly between said bagging and transport positions.
 18. The invention in accordance with claim 17 wherein said yoke is pivotally connected to said frame and said hitch.
 19. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a hydraulic manifold for enabling hydraulic movement between said bagging and said transport position.
 20. A lift mechanism for a table extension used with an agricultural bagging machine, comprising a mechanism for moving a table between a bagging and a transport position. 